Chief Swim Training & Lifeguard Certification Leader

Ymca Of Central Maryland, Inc.; Maryland; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Central Maryland, Inc. is seeking a Senior Program Director for Swim Training & Certifications to shape lifeguard and swim leader training across the Y in Central Maryland. You will lead a team of Training Specialists, strengthen workforce pipelines, and provide systems and resources for safe, fully staffed programs.

This role goes beyond training—develop people, expand career pathways, and improve water safety for thousands of participants across multiple Family Centers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation management or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience supervising teams and improving training or operations.
• Experience in swim operations, lifeguard training, certification programs, or pool management.
• Strong knowledge of water safety, emergency preparedness, lifeguard certification, and pool operations.
• Experience developing certification programs, instructors, or frontline leaders preferred.
• Strong facilitation, communication, project-management, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Association-wide strategy for lifeguard training, certification, and workforce readiness.
• Supervise, coach, and develop Training Specialists while maintaining consistent instructional standards.
• Oversee the Pre‑Lifeguard program and strengthen pathways from training to employment.
• Coordinate certification and recertification opportunities that support staffing needs across Family Centers.
• Develop standards and resources for onboarding, in‑service training, emergency response, and rescue readiness.
• Monitor certifications, renewal timelines, training outcomes, and compliance trends.
• Build development pathways for Head Guards, Swim Directors, instructors, and emerging swim leaders.
• Partner with Family Center leaders to address training, staffing, safety, and operational needs.
• Support consistent use of HydroApps and other systems for safety documentation and accountability.
• Analyze workforce, safety, training, and operational data to identify risks and improvement opportunities.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition, Workforce Development, Learning and Development, and center leadership to strengthen recruitment, training, and retention.
• Create and scale tools, procedures, and successful practices across the Association.
• Model the Y’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Data analysis

Relationship building

Communication

Project management

Strategic thinking

Travel flexibility

Safety standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in recreation management

Tools

HydroApps

Job description

YMCA of Central Maryland, Inc. is seeking a Senior Program Director for Swim Training & Certifications to shape lifeguard and swim leader training across the Y in Central Maryland. You will lead a team of Training Specialists, strengthen workforce pipelines, and provide systems and resources for safe, fully staffed programs.

This role goes beyond training—develop people, expand career pathways, and improve water safety for thousands of participants across multiple Family Centers.